If you grab snacks or drinks from vending machines, you’ll soon notice something new on many packages — a bold, black-and-white “High in” magnifying glass symbol right on the front.
By January 1, 2026, the Government of Canada will require most people prepackaged foods to display a front-of-package (FOP) nutrition symbol if they are deemed high in saturated fat, sugars, or sodium. It’s part of a national push toward clearer, faster nutrition info — especially helpful when you’re picking something quickly from a vending machine.
What You’ll See on Snack Packaging
Here’s how the symbol works:
- A magnifying glass icon appears on the front of the package, paired with the words “High in / Élevé en”
- Under that, up to three bars will be filled in, each labelled “Sat fat / Gras sat.,” “Sugars / Sucres,” or “Sodium,” depending on which nutrients the product is high in.
- At the bottom you’ll see “Health Canada / Santé Canada.”
The symbol is designed to be simple, unmistakable, and in both English and French.
So instead of hunting for the Nutrition Facts table on the back, you can glance at the front and know instantly: “High in sugar?” “High in sodium?” — before you make your choice. Some products might just meet the requirement to have the symbol. While other products may be higher. So take this symbol with a grain of salt! 🙂
Why It’s Happening
This new labelling is intended to give everyone — even in fast settings like vending machines — an easy visual cue to help make healthier choices. Other countries that have adopted similar systems have seen shifts in consumer behaviour and product formulation.
What It Means for Vending Machine Customers
For you, this means:
- Some of your favorite snacks will begin showing the “High in” symbol on the front.
- Healthier items — or those that don’t exceed thresholds — won’t carry the symbol.
- Over time, you may see product manufacturers reformulate or introduce new snack options that avoid the “High in” label altogether.
We’re committed to continuing to offer a mix: indulgent treats and smarter choices. The labels just make it easier to see which is which at a glance.
How This Affects Our Vending Program
As your vending partner, here’s what we’re doing behind the scenes:
- We are working with our suppliers to track which products are affected.
- We’re planning to gradually introduce more items that don’t carry a “High in” label.
- We’ll keep our machine lineup balanced — so you still have your favorites, but with clarity on nutrition.
- We’ll update you if any snack disappears or changes so you know why.
You don’t need to take any action. The change will show up naturally as new packaging rolls out.
The Bottom Line
Canada’s new front-of-package labelling is about transparency, choice, and ease. Even from behind the glass of a vending machine, you’ll be able to see more clearly which products are “high in” certain nutrients — before you buy.
For customers, it’s a win: more information, less effort.
For us, it’s a chance to lead with clarity and integrity. We pride ourselves on giving our customers more of the products they love.